as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning
a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out
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Recent Examples of figuring out
What was more of a challenge than engineering the chip itself was figuring out the details of actually making the chip project images and videos.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026
The circle hook sets itself, taking the guess work out of feeding line and figuring out if the fish has the bait in its mouth before setting the hook.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
As usual, my librarian brain is busy digging into the meat of this, basically figuring out the question-under-the-question of your message.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
In a world full of influencers and trending aesthetics, figuring out your personal style has become both easier and overwhelming.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026
This should come as no surprise to fans watching Season 2, as Mohan has really struggled with finding the balance between her personal life and her work, as well as figuring out what her future as a medical professional will look like.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
But with its striking glaciers, craggy peaks, and steamy geysers, Iceland can fill up an entire vacation – so the challenge for the casual visitor is figuring out what to cram into a short stay.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
Abrantes echoes that celebrity influence is huge in the watch world — especially for those starting out and figuring out their taste — giving younger customers permission to buck trends, discover independent brands and break convention.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
Blashill is tasked with figuring out his newcomers’ roles on the team.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026
The circle hook sets itself, taking the guess work out of feeding line and figuring out if the fish has the bait in its mouth before setting the hook.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
As usual, my librarian brain is busy digging into the meat of this, basically figuring out the question-under-the-question of your message.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
In a world full of influencers and trending aesthetics, figuring out your personal style has become both easier and overwhelming.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026
This should come as no surprise to fans watching Season 2, as Mohan has really struggled with finding the balance between her personal life and her work, as well as figuring out what her future as a medical professional will look like.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
But with its striking glaciers, craggy peaks, and steamy geysers, Iceland can fill up an entire vacation – so the challenge for the casual visitor is figuring out what to cram into a short stay.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
Abrantes echoes that celebrity influence is huge in the watch world — especially for those starting out and figuring out their taste — giving younger customers permission to buck trends, discover independent brands and break convention.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
Blashill is tasked with figuring out his newcomers’ roles on the team.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figuring out
Verb
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The company is ushering a new approach to solving the industry’s biggest hurdles with Denim Codes, a collection intended to bring together material innovation, garment expertise, and advanced finishing into a clear and common language.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Santa Ana Police Department detectives are seeking help from the public in solving a homicide that left a 37-year-old man dead outside his home in early 2025.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Their lack leaves us too much time to grow weary of Tara — whose unraveling under pressure is understandable, yet has an effect on the viewer more exhausting than empathy-inducing.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
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The college bargain that a generation of Americans was sold (borrow money, earn a degree, join the middle class) has been quietly unraveling for 20 years.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The teams traded goals later in the second with Toffoli scoring on the rush for San Jose and DeBrusk answering on the power play.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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In another campaign video, the Euphoria actress takes on the role of Roach's assistant, answering calls, carrying boxes and offering him a sip of a beverage.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bailey has a wide-eyed clueless cuteness that lends to her character’s well-meaning naiveté — even her missteps have a way of working out.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The party and potential host cities are working out site visit plans for each in the coming weeks.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Grammy winner Lil Nas X is another step closer to potentially resolving his felony police battery case.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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Chinese analysts also reflect an acute awareness from Beijing of the entrenched challenges in resolving a conflict where the two sides have little trust and much animosity.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figuring out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figuring%20out. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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